Console with grounded trim ring

ABSTRACT

A vehicle console includes a trim ring disposed over a periphery of a housing. The trim ring includes a polymeric material and is electrically conductive and grounded. A proximity switch assembly is retained in the housing. The proximity switch assembly includes a proximity sensor proximate a sensing pad for generating an activation field. The sensing pad is proximate the trim ring.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/856,648, filed on Dec. 28, 2017, entitled“CONSOLE WITH GROUNDED TRIM RING,” the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to consoles, and moreparticularly relates to consoles having a grounded trim ring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consoles, such as consoles that contain vehicle controls, provide alocation for activation buttons for lights, climate control settings,sound systems, and other vehicle features. Some activation buttons maybe proximity switches with electric fields. Consoles sometimes includevisually appealing decorative trim. Some decorative trim components maybe conductive.

Console design considerations include material selection based onmaterial properties such as conductivity, resistivity, melting point,ease of fabrication, and affordability. Further, console designconsiderations encompass arrangement of conductive trim componentsrelative to components with electric fields. Improvements in consoledesign, function, and material selection are always desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle consoleincludes a trim ring disposed over a periphery of a housing. The trimring is made of a polymeric material and is electrically conductive andgrounded. A proximity switch assembly is retained in the housing. Theproximity switch assembly includes a proximity sensor proximate asensing pad for generating an activation field. The sensing pad isproximate the trim ring.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   a lamp, wherein the proximity switch assembly is provided on the        lamp;    -   the housing comprises a bezel with an aperture;    -   the sensing pad comprises a lens disposed in the aperture;    -   the proximity sensor is a capacitive sensor;    -   the trim ring encircles the sensing pad;    -   the trim ring is electrically coupled to a conductive support        and wherein the conductive support is electrically coupled to a        PCB;    -   the trim ring comprises a heat stake pin that is connected to        the conductive support;    -   the housing is a first polymeric material and the trim ring is a        second polymeric material;    -   the second polymeric material is an acryloninitrile butadiene        styrene (ABS) comprising approximately 0.5% to approximately 2%        volume multi-walled carbon nanotubes and approximately 4% to        approximately 6% volume high aspect ratio carbon black;    -   the acryloninitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) comprising        approximately 0.5% to approximately 2% volume multi-walled        nanotubes and approximately 4% to approximately 6% volume high        aspect ratio carbon black has a surface resistivity of        approximately 0.8×10⁵ ohm/sq to approximately 1.2×10⁵ ohm/sq;        and/or    -   the housing and the trim ring are made during a two shot molding        process.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a housing assemblyfor a proximity sensor includes a base coupled to a vehicle surface. Thebase holds the proximity sensor between a lens and a printed circuitboard (PCB). The proximity sensor is coupled to the PCB and generates anactivation field disposed proximate the lens. The housing assemblyincludes a conductive portion proximate the activation field. Theconductive portion is grounded.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   the base has a higher surface resistivity than the conductive        portion; and/or    -   the conductive portion comprises chrome plating

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of makinga vehicular trim assembly includes the steps of forming a housingassembly of a first substrate and a second substrate wherein the firstsubstrate has a higher electrical resistivity than the second substrateand electroplating the second substrate.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   placing a proximity switch assembly having a selectively        generated activation field within the housing assembly;    -   conductively coupling the second substrate to a printed circuit        board ground to prevent the second substrate from disrupting the        selectively generated activation field;    -   the first substrate is a first ABS material and the second        substrate is a second ABS material comprising approximately 0.5%        to approximately 2% volume multi-walled carbon nanotubes and        approximately 4% to approximately 6% volume high aspect ratio        carbon black and having a surface resistivity of approximately        0.8×10⁵ ohm/sq to approximately 1.2×10⁵ ohm/sq;    -   etching a surface of the second substrate with chromic acid;    -   rinsing the surface;    -   coating the surface with copper;    -   coating the copper with nickel;    -   coating the nickel with chrome;    -   etching an A-surface of the second substrate with chromic acid;    -   rinsing the A-surface;    -   coating the A-surface with copper;    -   coating the copper with nickel;    -   coating the nickel with chrome; and    -   using a two shot molding process to form the housing assembly of        the first substrate and the second substrate.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of an automotivevehicle having an overhead console employing a grounded trim ring,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the overhead console of FIG. 1, furtherillustrating the grounded trim ring;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one side of the housing assembly,proximity switch assembly, and lamp assembly located in the overheadconsole of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for controlling alamp assembly based on the proximity switch, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the housing assembly including a baseand the trim ring with a metal layer, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the housing assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an improved polymeric material that maybe used in the trim ring, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a schematic view of the improved polymeric material of FIG.7A after an acid etch, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7C is a schematic view of the improved polymeric material of FIGS.7A and 7B after electroplating, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method for making a vehicular trimassembly, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detaileddesign; some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show functionoverview. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a vehicle console 10 includes a trim ring 14disposed over a periphery of the housing 12. The trim ring 14 is made ofa polymeric material and is electrically conductive and grounded. Aproximity switch assembly 16 is retained in the housing 12. Theproximity switch assembly 16 includes a proximity sensor 20 proximate asensing pad (e.g., lens 40) for generating an activation field 22. Thesensing pad (e.g., lens 40) is proximate the conductive trim ring 14.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the interior passenger compartment of anautomotive vehicle 8 is generally illustrated having a console 10 with adecorative trim ring 14. In the depicted embodiment, the decorative trimring 14 is chrome plated on its exposed surface 30. The decorative trimring 14 is part of a housing assembly 11 that includes a housing 12 andthe decorative trim ring 14. The console 10 also includes a pair of lampassemblies 32, each configured to include a proximity switch 34 andretained in the console 10 by the housing assembly 11, according to oneembodiment. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 12 is a bezel withan aperture 38 for receiving a sensing pad (lens 40 in the depictedembodiment) of each lamp assembly 32.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, it is desirable that the grounded trim ring 14not interfere with the activation field 22 of the proximity switch 34.For example, a user touching the grounded trim ring 14 with finger 28should not disturb the activation field 22 and activate the proximityswitch 34 to switch the light source 74 on or to switch the light source74 off. According to one embodiment, the base or housing 12 of thehousing assembly 11 is made of a first polymeric material, and the trimring 14, including heat stake pins 50, is made of a second polymericmaterial (improved platable ABS material 155). Properties of the secondpolymeric material typically include (1) electrical conductivity toground the electroplated layers 190, 192, 194, and 196 disposed on theconductive trim ring 14 to the circuit board 52, through conductivesupport 54, and (2) low surface resistivity (electrical) for typicallyallowing successful electroplating of layers 190, 192, 194, 196 onto thetrim ring 14.

Referring again to FIG. 3, each of the pair of lamp assemblies 32 thatfit within the housing 12 apertures 38 provides an integral assembly ofa lamp and a proximity switch 34 for activating a light source 74 toturn the lamp on and off. Each lamp assembly 32 includes an outer lens40 having a light transparent window 41, a light source 74 disposedbehind the outer lens 40 to illuminate light through the transparentwindow 41 of the outer lens 40, and a proximity switch 34 having one ormore proximity sensors 20 disposed proximate or near a perimeter of thetransparent window 41 of the outer lens 40. The one or more proximitysensors 20 generate an activation field 22 proximate the transparentwindow 41 of the outer lens 40 to sense activation of the proximityswitch 34 to control activation of the light source 74. Internal lens 89is disposed proximate to light source 74. In the embodiment shown, theproximity switch 34 is integrally assembled as part of the lamp assembly32 in which the central portion, including the transparent window 41, ofthe outer lens 40 serves as a touch or sensing pad. The user may contactthe sensing pad (outer lens 40) or come into close proximity therewithto be detected by the activation field 22. However, it should beappreciated that the proximity switch 34 may be assembled separate fromthe lamp assembly 32 and employ its own sensing pad and may control anyof a number of devices or functions.

Each proximity switch 34 provided in each lamp assembly 32 is shown anddescribed herein as a capacitive switch, according to one embodiment.Each proximity switch 34 includes a proximity sensor 20 that provides asense activation field 22 to sense contact or close proximity of anobject, such as a user's finger 28, in close relation to the proximitysensor 20, such as a tap or swiping motion by a user's finger 28. Thus,the sense activation field 22 generated by the proximity sensor 20 ofeach proximity switch 34 is a capacitive field in the exemplaryembodiment, and the user's finger 28 has electrical conductivity anddielectric properties that cause a change or disturbance in the senseactivation field 22 which is detected in a signal generated from theactivation field 22.

According to one embodiment, the conductive support 54 may be formed ofan electrically conductive metal material. The metal may be plated onthe conductive support 54. The metal conductive support 54 is coupled toa pair of electrodes within sensor 20 that produce the activation field22. The activation field 22 generated by the proximity sensor 20 extendsbelow the transparent window 41 of the outer lens 40 to enable anobject, such as a user's finger 28, hand or other body part to enter theactivation field 22 at the sensing pad (lens 40) to activate the lightsource 74 on and off. When an object, such as finger 28 sufficientlyengages the activation field 22 below the sensing pad, e.g., outer lens40, a disturbance in the activation field 22 is detected such thatactivation of the proximity switch 34 is initiated so as to eitherswitch the light source 74 on or switch the light source 74 off.

Sensor 20 is coupled to a first plated signal line 84 and a secondplated signal line 86. The first and second plated signal lines 84 and86 are electrically connected to circuitry in the circuit board 52. Inthe depicted embodiment, the first and second plated signal lines 84 and86 are depicted as chrome plated towers 56 and 58, respectively, thatconnect to the circuit board 52 with conductive rubber interfaces 88,90. In one embodiment, the conductive rubber interfaces 88, 90 consistof silicone rubber 96 and gold-plated metal wires 97 embedded into thesilicone rubber 96. The gold-plated metal wires 97 are generallyarranged in a vertical direction within the silicone rubber 96 between agrounded connection on the circuit board 52 proximate connectors 100 anda bathtub-shaped recess 98 in the top of each tower 56 and 58. Thegold-plated metal wires 97 project from the silicone rubber 96 topsurface 104 to electrically connect to connectors 100 and thegold-plated metal wires 97 project from the silicone rubber's bottomsurface 106 to electrically connect with the chrome-platedbathtub-shaped recesses 98 in chrome-plated towers 56 and 58. In thedepicted embodiment, the gold-plated metal wires 97 typically contactthe bottom surface 99 of the bathtub recess 98. Thus, gold-plated metalwires 97 electrically connect the connectors 100 to the chrome-platedtowers 56 and 58. The A pulsed drive input signal (e.g., voltage) isapplied to one of the signal lines 84 and 86, and an output voltageproportional to the capacitance is received on the other of the signallines 84 and 86. The output signal and the input signal may be processedby control circuitry, such as a controller, to determine whether anobject, such as a user's finger 28, is sufficiently interacting with theactivation field 22 to activate the proximity switch 34.

According to one embodiment, the electrically conductive materialforming the sensor 20 and the first and second plated signal lines 84and 86 may be formed of a chrome that is plated onto a thermoplasticpolymer such as a polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS) material. The sensor 20 and the plated signal lines 84 and 86 mayall be formed on the conductive support 54 in a single electroplatingprocess. The process may include a vacuum metallization process,according to one embodiment. The plated signal lines 84 and 86 may beformed extending from contact with a first electrode and a secondelectrode of the sensor 20, via plated holes 92 and 94 and extendingthrough legs or towers 56 and 58 of the conductive support 54 and intocontact with the respective conductive rubber interfaces 88, 90 andconnectors 100 on the circuit board 52. As such, electrically conductivesignal lines are formed connecting each of the electrodes of sensor 20to one of the towers 56 and 58. Towers 56 and 58, in turn, electricallyconnect to the circuit board 52 through the conductive rubber interfaces88, 90 and to connectors 100. As such, control circuitry on the circuitboard 52 may provide an electrical signal to one of the electrodes andmay receive a signal from the other of the electrodes and process thesignal to determine activation of the switch. In the depictedembodiment, the chrome plating forms an electrically conductive signalpath extending from each of the electrodes, through the conductiverubber interfaces 88, 90 and to the circuit board 52. The underlyingpolymeric material is a dielectric and is electrically insulated. Itshould be appreciated that other shapes and sizes and techniques may beemployed for providing a signal path extending from the electrodes ofsensor 20 to the control circuitry on the circuit board 52.

The proximity switch 34 may include control circuitry as shown in FIG.4, according to one embodiment. Included is a controller 110 having amicroprocessor 112 and memory 114. The controller 110 may execute one ormore control routines 116 as is known in the art via the processor 112to process capacitor sensor inputs from capacitive sensors 120 andcontrol corresponding devices shown as lamp 1 and lamp 2, each labeled122. The controller 110 may process the capacitive signals sensed byeach of the sensors 120 and compare the sensor values to thresholds todetermine activation of the corresponding switch 34 indicative ofactivating one or more control devices, such as one of the lamps orlight sources 74.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the housing assembly 11 is shown. Thehousing assembly 11 includes a base portion (housing 12) and aconductive trim ring portion (conductive trim ring 14). The conductivetrim ring portion includes heat stake pins 50. Apertures 38 are providedin the housing 12 for receiving proximity switch sensing pads, such asouter lenses 40. The housing assembly 11 may be two-shot molded with afirst substrate for the housing 12 and a second substrate for theconductive trim ring 14. In the depicted embodiment, the conductive trimring 14 includes an electroplated metal layer 15. The metal layer 15includes a copper layer 190, a semi-bright nickel layer 192, a brightnickel layer 194, and a chrome layer 196 according to one embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7C, in one embodiment, the housing 12 is madeof a non-platable ABS resin and the trim ring 14 is made of a platableABS resin. A typical platable ABS resin has a surface resistivitygreater than 1×10¹⁵ ohm/sq so that it is a very good insulator thatdissipates electrical charge that is creating capacitive interference.In the depicted embodiment, the conductive trim ring 14 is made of animproved platable ABS material 155 that has a surface resistivity ofapproximately 0.8×10⁵ ohm/sq to approximately 1.2×10⁵ ohm/sq and iscomposed of approximately 0.5% to approximately 2% multi-walled carbonnanotubes and approximately 4% to approximately 6% volume high aspectratio carbon black. In various embodiments, the surface resistivity ofthe improved platable ABS material 155 may be less than 1×10⁶ ohms/sq.The improved platable ABS material 155 with a surface resistivity lessthan 1×10⁶ ohms/sq is more electrically conductive than the typicalplatable ABS resin with a surface resistivity greater than 1×10¹⁵ohms/sq. The electrical conductivity of the improved platable ABSmaterial 155 that comprises the trim ring 14 (including heat stake pins50) allows the metal layer 15 that is plated onto the trim ring 14 toground the trim ring 14 to circuit board 52 through support 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, schematic diagrams illustrate improvedplatable ABS material 155 and the process of electroplating improvedplatable ABS material 155. Generally, to impart electrical conductivityto a thermoplastic polymer resin that is nonconductive, carbon nanotubesand carbon black may be added to the thermoplastic polymer resin. Aresin composition that incorporates the carbon nanotubes and the carbonblack may be molded. Generally, a resin that has carbon nanotubes andcarbon black molded into it typically has lower surface resistivity thana resin that does not have carbon nanotubes and carbon black molded intoit. The lower surface resistivity improves electroplating efficiency. Inone embodiment, the improved platable ABS material 155 is an ABS resinwith roughly one percent volume multi-walled carbon nanotubes androughly five percent volume high aspect ratio carbon black and a surfaceresistivity of about 1×10⁵ ohm/sq.

FIG. 7A is a schematic representation of the improved platable ABSmaterial, designated as identifier 155, prior to commencement of theelectroplating process. The improved platable ABS material 155 includesan ABS resin 160 with acrylonitrile (A) 162, butadiene (B) 164, andstyrene (S) 166, carbon black 168, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes170. With reference to FIG. 7B, the improved platable ABS material 155is shown after chromatic acid has been applied to the surface 172 of theimproved platable ABS material 155 shown in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG.7B, the chromatic acid has removed the butadiene (B) 164 phase from theABS resin 160 near the etched surface 174 of the ABS resin 160 to formvoids 176 where carbon black 168 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes 170are not present. When the carbon black 168 and multi-walled carbonnanotubes 170 are located in the ABS resin 160, they allow the chromaticacid to remove the butadiene (B) 164 to form voids 176. The multi-walledcarbon nanotubes 170 are present in sufficient quantities to stop thecarbon black 168 from reaching the surface 172 of the ABS resin 160 andblocking the butadiene (B) 164 from leaving the ABS resin 160. Referringto FIG. 7C, a copper layer 190 is applied over etched surface 174 of theABS resin 160 in FIG. 7B. The copper layer 190 fills the voids 176 inthe etched surface 174. Bonds 180 form between the copper layer 190 andthe ABS resin 160. The quantity and location of the bonds 180 betweenthe copper layer 190 and the ABS resin 160 typically contribute to asubstantially smooth, substantially defect free outer appearance of thechrome layer 196 at trim ring surface 30. Referring again to FIG. 7C, asemi-bright nickel layer 192 is applied over the copper layer 190, abright nickel layer 194 is applied over the semi-bright nickel layer192, and a chrome layer 196 is applied over the bright nickel layer 194.

Carbon nanotubes are allotropes of carbon with a cylindricalnanostructure. Cylindrical carbon nanotubes contain cylindrical carbonmolecules with unusual properties, which are valuable in developingmaterials with extraordinary conductivity. Multi-walled carbon nanotubesconsist of more than one wall of graphene rolled into a tube. Carbonnanotubes have a three dimensional tubular molecular structure.Depending on the exact molecular nanotube, a carbon nanotube may behighly conductive or semi-conductive along a tubular axis. Publishedpapers indicate that nanotubes can carry an electric current density of4×10⁹ A/cm², which is more than 1,000 times greater than the electriccurrent density of a metal, such as copper. However, because of a carbonnantotube's nanoscale cross-section, electrons generally propagate onlyalong the tube's axis. Carbon nanotubes are generally one-dimensionalconductors.

In various embodiments, the trim ring 14 may be electroplated only onits A-surface (the surface visible to the passenger when the trim ring14 has been installed in the console 10 as part of the housing assembly11).

FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of a method 260 of making a vehicular trimassembly (e.g., housing assembly 11) of the depicted embodiment. Themethod 260 includes step 262 which provides for forming a housingassembly of a first substrate and a second substrate (improved platableABS material 155), wherein the first substrate has a higher electricalresistivity than the second substrate. Step 264 provides forelectroplating the second substrate, step 266 provides for placing aproximity switch assembly having a selectively generated activationfield within the housing assembly, and step 268 provides forconductively coupling the second substrate to a printed circuit boardground to prevent the second substrate from disrupting the selectivelygenerated activation field.

In various embodiments of the method of making a vehicular trimassembly, the first substrate (housing 12) is a non-platable ABS resinand the second substrate (trim ring 14 including heat stake pins 50) isimproved platable ABS material 155. Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, in variousembodiments, electroplating the trim ring 14 of the second substrateincludes etching a surface 172 of the conductive trim ring 14 withchromic acid, rinsing the etched surface 174, electroplating the etchedsurface 174 with a copper layer 190, electroplating the copper layer 190with a semi-bright nickel layer 192, electroplating the semi-brightnickel layer 192 with the bright nickel layer 194, and electroplatingthe bright nickel layer 194 with a chrome layer 196.

The processing temperature, mold temperature, and injection speed areimportant to producing a part with good plating. During the moldingprocess, a relatively hot melting temperature of approximately 245-270degrees Celsius is typically required to reduce internal moldingstresses. Conversely, a relatively cold mold temperature ofapproximately 65-80 degrees Celsius typically causes the plastic to havea thick skin with too little butadiene on the surface of the part. Toohot of a mold temperature enables more carbon black to reach the topsurface, thus reducing the amount of etching. Injection speed is alsoimportant. Too fast of an injection speed tends to exhibit irregularsurface patterns that are visible after chrome plating. Irregular typesof surface patterns are generally called “gate blush” and “jetting.”Other defects that can arise from excessive injection speeds are “splay”and “burning.” All four of these types of defects greatly affect thepart quality and will have an impact on yield. One way to minimize thesetypes of defects is to reduce the injection speed as much as possiblewhile still being able to achieve a completely filled part.

Generally, when the housing assembly 11 is made of a two shot moldingprocess, it is desirable that the housing 12 and the trim ring 14 bothbe an ABS resin so that the housing 12 and the trim ring 14 havecompatible molding parameters.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the visually appealing chrome surface 30 isdisposed on trim ring 14 by electroplating metal layer 15 onto theA-surface of trim ring 14. The trim ring 14 includes heat stake pins 50.The improved platable ABS material 155 that the trim ring 14 is made ofallows the heat stake pins 50 to ground the metal layer 15 through theconductive support 54 to the circuit board 52. In the depictedembodiment, the conductive support 54 includes four flanges 55. Eachflange 55 has a hole 51 for receiving a heat stake pin 50 of trim ring14. Heat stake pins 50 are inserted through tunnels 53 in housing 12.Thereafter, heat stake pins 50 are inserted into holes 51 in conductivesupport 54. Heat stake pins 50 are heat staked to the conductive support54. Conductive support 54 electrically connects to circuit board 52through towers 56 and 58 and through conductive rubber interfaces 88, 90on towers 56 and 58 at connectors 100. The trim ring 14 metal layer 15grounds to a grounded connection on the circuit board 52. In variousembodiments, heat stake pins 50 may also be electroplated.

A variety of advantages may be derived by use of the present disclosure.The disclosed platable ABS resin (improved platable ABS material 155) iseconomic, has a low surface resistivity for plating, is conductive forgrounding to circuit board 52 through support 54, and has an adequatemelting point for heat staking to conductive support 54. A uniqueformulation of a very low percentage of expensive multi-walled carbonnanotubes with low cost carbon black has been developed in the improvedplatable ABS material 155 to achieve low surface resistivity andconductivity. Further, a two shot molding process may be used tominimize the use of the expensive improved platable ABS material 155within housing assembly 11.

While the lamp assemblies 32 with proximity switches 34 and conductivetrim ring 14 and housing 12 are shown located in an overhead console 10,it should be appreciated that the lamp assemblies 32 and proximityswitches 34 with conductive trim ring 14 in a housing 12 may be locatedelsewhere on the vehicle 8, such as in the dash panel, on other consolessuch as a center console, integrated into a touch screen display for aradio or infotainment system such as a navigation and/or audio display,or located elsewhere onboard the vehicle 8 according to various vehicleapplications.

The proximity switches may be configured to control other devices. Forexample, proximity switches may control any of a number of vehicledevices and functions, such as controlling movement of a sunroof ormoonroof, controlling movement of a moonroof shade, controllingactivation of one or more lighting devices, and controlling variousother devices and functions.

In various embodiments, the chrome layer 196 may be another materialsuch as copper, nickel, black chrome, brass, or gold. Further, finishessuch as bright, matte, and brushed may be applied to the trim ring 14surface 30.

In various embodiments, the housing 12 and the trim ring 14 may befabricated separately and press-fit or otherwise joined to make housingassembly 11. For example, the trim ring 14 may be made of the improvedplatable ABS material 155, and the housing may be made of anotherpolymeric material such as ABS, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyvinylchloride.

In various embodiments, plated metal may be used for the trim ring 14.The plated metal trim ring 14 may be inserted into housing 12, and theplated metal trim ring 14 may be grounded to the circuit board 52.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A housing assembly for a proximity sensorcomprising: a base coupled to a vehicle surface, wherein the base holdsthe proximity sensor between a lens and a printed circuit board and theproximity sensor is coupled to the printed circuit board and generatesan activation field disposed proximate the lens; and a conductiveportion proximate the activation field, wherein the conductive portionis grounded.
 2. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 1,wherein the base has a higher surface resistivity than the conductiveportion.
 3. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 2,wherein the conductive portion comprises chrome plating.
 4. The housingassembly for a proximity sensor of claim 2, wherein the base comprise afirst polymeric material and wherein the conductive portion comprises asecond polymeric material.
 5. The housing assembly for a proximitysensor of claim 4, wherein the second polymeric material includes anacryloninitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) comprising approximately 0.5% toapproximately 2% volume multi-walled carbon nanotubes and approximately4% to approximately 6% volume high aspect ratio carbon black.
 6. Thehousing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 5, wherein theacryloninitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) comprising approximately 0.5% toapproximately 2% volume multi-walled carbon nanotubes and approximately4% to approximately 6% volume high aspect ratio carbon black has asurface resistivity of approximately 0.8×10⁵ ohm/sq to approximately1.2×10⁵ ohm/sq.
 7. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim4, wherein the proximity sensor includes a capacitive sensor.
 8. Thehousing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 4, wherein theconductive portion surrounds the lens.
 9. The housing assembly for aproximity sensor of claim 8, wherein the conductive portion is a trimring.
 10. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 9,wherein the trim ring is electrically coupled to a conductive supportand wherein the conductive support is electrically coupled to a printedcircuit board.
 11. A housing assembly for a proximity sensor comprising:a trim ring disposed over a periphery of a housing, wherein the trimring comprises a polymeric material and is electrically conductive andgrounded; and a proximity switch assembly retained in the housing,comprising: a proximity sensor proximate a sensing pad for generating anactivation field, wherein the sensing pad is proximate the trim ring.12. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 11, wherein thetrim ring is electrically coupled to a conductive support, and whereinthe conductive support is electrically coupled to a printed circuitboard.
 13. The housing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 12,wherein the conductive support is electrically coupled to a printedcircuit board with a conductive rubber interface.
 14. The housingassembly for a proximity sensor of claim 13, wherein the conductiverubber interface is disposed between a tower extending from theconductive support and a printed circuit board.
 15. The housing assemblyfor a proximity sensor of claim 14, wherein the conductive rubberinterface includes wires arranged in a silicone rubber.
 16. The housingassembly for a proximity sensor of claim 11, wherein the housingincludes a first polymeric material and wherein the trim ring includes asecond polymeric material.
 17. The housing assembly for a proximitysensor of claim 16, wherein the trim ring has a lower surfaceresistivity than the housing.
 18. The housing assembly for a proximitysensor of claim 17, wherein the trim ring is chrome plated.
 19. Thehousing assembly for a proximity sensor of claim 18, wherein the secondpolymeric material includes an acryloninitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)comprising approximately 0.5% to approximately 2% volume multi-walledcarbon nanotubes and approximately 4% to approximately 6% volume highaspect ratio carbon black.
 20. The housing assembly for a proximitysensor of claim 19, wherein the first polymeric material is anacryloninitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material.